The Growth Spurt in South Charlotte

One drive around South Charlotte will remind you how much the area is growing—new construction, more traffic, new restaurants popping up, you can see it everywhere. Head to Matthews or Mint Hill. Check out Waxhaw or Weddington. Maybe visit Ballantyne or Fort Mill (yes at this point, Fort Mill is basically a Charlotte suburb). And while this growth is good for the economy and good for the local culture, some of it is just happening too fast.

Take housing, for example. The builders, in general, are rushed. Who can blame them? There is a lot of work, a lot of competition, and a lot of pressure to finish before the deadline. It’s not like major corners are being cut, the new houses do pass inspection, and they are safe to live in, but builders are cutting minor corners. And a lot of those minor corners are in the roof.

We’re talking poor-quality materials, or maybe less than stellar work. Sometimes it’s the home-owner’s choice to save a few dollars with a less-than-excellent roof. The work is fine for now, and you have a beautiful new home in a great area at an affordable price. I get it.

But then, a few years later, the roof starts to go. Maybe there’s a leak, or some storm damage, or maybe the whole roof needs replacement. And that’s when the home owner says “a new roof? But the house isn’t even that old!” Trust me, I get it.

Look, I’m a roofer. I could be really happy about this whole situation, because it means I’ll have plenty of work. But I already do a pretty good business, and honestly I’d rather see you safe and dry with a quality roof that lasts a long time.

So, please, if you’re building new, don’t rush. Make sure the roof of your new home is built right. The extra money you put in now will be worth it in the long run. And if you’re not in that situation and you already have a roof that is not in great shape, make sure your home gets a second chance with quality work that isn’t rushed. Your next roof will be better than your first.